Rikon 70-105 1/2 HP 10″ x 18″ 5 Speed Mini Wood Lathe, 110V 3.7A

The Rikon 70-105 10-inch x 18-inch mini woodworking lathe is a compact cast iron wood lathe built for pen turning, small spindle work, and light-duty turning projects. It features a 1/2 HP TEFC motor, five spindle speeds from 500 to 3,200 RPM, MT2 taper support for pen mandrels, easy-access speed changes, a self-ejecting tailstock, and extension-bed capability.

The Rikon 70-105 was designed specifically for pen turners who wanted a sturdy, dedicated machine for their craft. RIKON’s current product page describes it as a cast iron mini lathe built to reduce vibration compared with lighter aluminum machines, and its 10-inch swing with 18 inches between centers makes it a practical fit for pens, bottle stoppers, handles, small spindles, and similar woodworking projects. The 1/2 HP TEFC motor runs on 120V power and drives five fixed spindle speeds of 500, 1,175, 1,850, 2,225, and 3,200 RPM.

For buyers comparing mini wood lathes, the 70-105 keeps the setup straightforward while still supporting common turning accessories. The machine uses MT2 tapers in the headstock and tailstock for pen mandrels and centers, a 1″ x 8 TPI spindle nose, easy-access speed changes, a nylon face plate washer, and a self-ejecting tailstock. RIKON also states that the lathe can accept multiple extensions, giving users a path to more capacity later instead of replacing the machine entirely.

Rikon 1/2 HP 10″ x 18″ 5 Speed Mini Wood Lathe At a Glance

• 10″ Swing / 18″ Between Centers: Sized for pen turning, small spindle work, and compact turning projects.
• 1/2 HP TEFC Motor: Provides dependable power for small woodworking lathe tasks.
• 5 Speed Ranges: Covers roughing, shaping, and finishing speeds from 500 to 3,200 RPM.
• MT2 Taper for Pen Mandrels: Supports common mandrels and turning centers.
• Easy Access Speed Change: Makes belt-position speed adjustments more convenient.
• Nylon Face Plate Washer: Included as part of the current feature set.
• Self Ejecting Tail Stock: Simplifies center removal during setup changes.
• Ability To Add Multiple Extensions: Gives the lathe room to grow for longer turning work.

Quick Specs

• Brand: RIKON
• Manufacturer Part Number: 70-105
• UPC: 814463021674
• Power Source: Corded electric
• Voltage: 120V, 60 Hz, 1Ph
• Amperage: 3.7A
• Motor: 1/2 HP TEFC
• Swing Over Bed: 10″
• Distance Between Centers: 18″
• Spindle Speed: 500 / 1,175 / 1,850 / 2,225 / 3,200 RPM
• Weight: 75 lbs net

Markets

• Pen Turning: Designed specifically with pen turners in mind.
• Small Craft Woodturning: Good fit for bottle stoppers, handles, knobs, and small spindle parts. This is an inference from the lathe’s size and accessory format.
• Home Workshops: Compact bench size works well where floor space is limited.
• Training and Hobby Turning: Straightforward 5-speed layout suits users learning core lathe setup and turning basics. This is an inference from the machine design and controls.
• Light Faceplate Work: Can handle small faceplate turning with separately purchased 1″ x 8 TPI faceplates.

The Rikon 70-105 is a practical mini woodworking lathe for buyers who want a dedicated pen-turning and small-project machine with cast iron stability. Instead of relying on lightweight construction, it uses a heavier cast iron platform to help control vibration, and the 5-speed belt-drive layout covers the range needed for boring barrel holes, roughing out pen billets, shaping, and finishing. For many buyers, that simpler design is a benefit because it keeps setup direct and maintenance straightforward.

It also offers a good foundation for accessory compatibility. The MT2 tapers, 1″ x 8 TPI spindle nose, self-ejecting tailstock, and extension-bed capability make it easier to build around over time. For shoppers looking for a mini wood lathe, pen turning lathe, or compact cast iron woodworking lathe, the 70-105 stays focused on the core features that matter most.

Rikon 70-105 1/2 HP 10″ x 18″ 5 Speed Mini Wood Lathe, 110V 3.7A Features

• 1/2 HP TEFC Motor: Provides steady power for small woodturning tasks.
• 5-Speed Belt Drive: Offers five fixed spindle speeds from 500 to 3,200 RPM.
• Forward-Only Rotation: Set up for standard spindle turning direction.
• MT2 Tapers in Headstock and Tailstock: Supports pen mandrels and common centers.
• Easy Access Pulley Covers: Simplifies speed changes and belt service.
• Self-Ejecting Tailstock: Retracting the tailstock ram pushes the live center out automatically.
• Nylon Face Plate Washer: Included as part of the current product feature set.
• Cast Iron Bed: Adds weight and stability during turning.
• Rubber Feet Included: Ready for bench use, with permanent mounting holes in the base if needed.

Compatible Accessories / Works Well With

• RIKON 70-906 21″ Lathe Bed Extension: Extends working spindle length capacity to 39″.
• RIKON 70-920 Lathe Stand: Universal steel stand listed for this lathe family.
• RIKON 70-913 Lathe Stand Extension: Supports setups using the bed extension.
• 1″ x 8 TPI Faceplates and Chucks: The spindle threading supports accessories in that size.
• MT2 Centers and Pen Mandrels: Headstock and tailstock taper size supports MT2-compatible tooling.

Rikon 70-105 1/2 HP 10″ x 18″ 5 Speed Mini Wood Lathe, 110V 3.7A Includes

• (1) Lathe Bed with Headstock, Tailstock, and Motor Assemblies
• (1) Tool Rest Base Assembly
• (1) 6″ Tool Rest
• (1) Spur Center
• (1) Live Center
• (1) Knockout Bar
• (1) 32mm Wrench
• (4) Rubber Feet with Mounting Screws
• (1) 3mm Hex Wrench
• (1) 4mm Hex Wrench
• (1) Tailstock Hand Wheel and Screw
• (1) Owner’s manual

Rikon 70-105 1/2 HP 10″ x 18″ 5 Speed Mini Wood Lathe, 110V 3.7A Specifications

• Brand: RIKON
• Manufacturer Part Number: 70-105
• UPC: 814463021674
• Product Type: Mini woodworking lathe
• Motor: 1/2 HP TEFC
• Motor Speed: 1,700 RPM no load
• Voltage / Phase: 120V, 1Ph, 60 Hz
• Amperage: 3.7A
• Direction: Forward only
• Number of Speeds: 5
• Speed Ranges: 500, 1,175, 1,850, 2,225, 3,200 RPM
• Swing Over Bed: 10″
• Swing Over Tool Rest Base: 7-1/2″
• Distance Between Centers: 18″
• Spindle Nose: 1″ x 8 TPI
• Headstock Taper: MT2
• Tailstock Taper: MT2
• Hole Through Drive Spindle: 3/8″
• Hole Through Tailstock: 3/8″
• Ram Travel: 1-3/4″
• Tool Rest Post Diameter: 5/8″
• Overall Length: 35-1/2″
• Overall Width: 10-1/2″
• Overall Height: 14-3/4″
• Overall Base Size: 29-1/2″ x 7-3/8″
• Bottom of Base to Spindle: 11-13/16″ without rubber pads installed
• Net Weight: 75 lbs

Rikon 70-105 1/2 HP 10″ x 18″ 5 Speed Mini Wood Lathe, 110V 3.7A Warranty

• Rikon’s 5-Year Limited Warranty or 2-Year Limited Warranty for commercial, industrial, or educational use.

Why Customers Choose the Rikon 1/2 HP 10″ x 18″ 5 Speed Mini Wood Lathe

Customers choose the Rikon 70-105 because it gives them a dedicated pen-turning and small-project wood lathe with cast iron stability in a compact footprint. The 10-inch swing, 18-inch capacity between centers, MT2 tapers, and common 1″ x 8 TPI spindle thread make it a practical long-term choice for buyers who want more than a very light hobby lathe.

It also appeals to buyers who prefer a simple 5-speed machine over a more electronic setup. With core accessories included, easy speed changes, and the ability to add bed extensions and a stand later, the 70-105 covers the main needs for pen turning and light spindle work while still leaving room to expand.